Reliability-based economic model predictive control for generalized flow-based networks including actuators' health-aware capabilities

This paper proposes a reliability-based economic model predictive control (MPC) strategy for the management of generalized flow-based networks, integrating some ideas on network service reliability, dynamic safety stock planning, and degradation of equipment health. The proposed strategy is based on a single-layer economic optimisation problem with dynamic constraints, which includes two enhancements with respect to existing approaches. The first enhancement considers chance-constraint programming to compute an optimal inventory replenishment policy based on a desired risk acceptability level, leading to dynamically allocate safety stocks in flow-based networks to satisfy non-stationary flow demands. The second enhancement computes a smart distribution of the control effort and maximises actuators’ availability by estimating their degradation and reliability. The proposed approach is illustrated with an application of water transport networks using the Barcelona network as the considered case study.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Small Size Dual-band Bandpass Filters with Multiconductor Transmission Lines and Shunt Open Stubs

A dual-band bandpass filter consisting of multiconductor transmission lines (MTL) and shunt stubs has been designed. The used topology, based on the interconnection of two identical MTL and a shunt open stub, has a frequency response that can be modelled by using the generalized Chebyshev functions. A prototype of a 4 fingers-MTL is manufactured and measured and a good agreement between analytical and measured results is obtained. Furthermore, it is easy to get a design criterion that enables getting good responses varying just a few parameters.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

La arquitectura de la periferia: una interpretación del concepto de “periferia” en el trabajo de Aldo Rossi y su actual relevancia en la reciente construcción del Norte de Madrid

This article analyses the recent development of the periphery in Madrid within the context of Aldo Rossi’s seminal book The Architecture of the City. The objective of this article is to emphasise the importance and relevance of Rossi’s work within today’s context, and to highlight his work as a tool with which to understand the current peripheral developments across Europe. Secondly, the article examines some of the challenges left by Rossi’s work and looks at some of the critical work undertaken since the 1960’s.This is followed by a more specific look at the work of the most recent theorists working within the context of Madrid itself ( Abalos & Herreros) and considers them in light of Rossi’s work. The article finally tests this theoretical approach (theory) before looking at the (project) most recent development in the northern periphery of Madrid (2008-2017). The article concludes with some insights into the application of Rossi’s work today and highlights the current relevance of his work in relation to the continuing peripheral developments across Europe. Critically, the article is structured around the importance of the relationship between theory and project, as this tension was critical to the group La Tendenza, to which Rossi himself belonged.Este artículo examina la importancia del trabajo de Aldo Rossi y su libro clásico “La arquitectura de la ciudad”, con el fin de explorar el contexto de la periferia desde un punto de vista teórico. El artículo se enfoca aludiendo a la importancia del mismo en el contexto actual, entendiéndolo como una herramienta que sirve para analizar la periferia europea. De la misma manera, se busca indagar en su pensamiento y trabajo a través del estudio de la ciudad actual, y el análisis crítico que se ha desarrollado desde que se escribió su obra, insistiendo en el seguimiento teórico más reciente llevado a cabo por Ábalos y Herreros en Madrid y que conecta su trabajo con la obra Rossiana. Finalmente, el artículo analiza sus propuestas teóricas a través de un caso de estudio (proyecto) como el de la reciente periferia Norte de Madrid (2008-2017), verificando la aplicación de estas teorías en dicho proyecto, y destacando la importancia que la obra teórica de Rossi sigue teniendo en la actualidad.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

La arquitectura de la periferia: una interpretación del concepto de “periferia” en el trabajo de Aldo Rossi y su actual relevancia en la reciente construcción del Norte de Madrid

This article analyses the recent development of the periphery in Madrid within the context of Aldo Rossi’s seminal book The Architecture of the City. The objective of this article is to emphasise the importance and relevance of Rossi’s work within today’s context, and to highlight his work as a tool with which to understand the current peripheral developments across Europe. Secondly, the article examines some of the challenges left by Rossi’s work and looks at some of the critical work undertaken since the 1960’s.This is followed by a more specific look at the work of the most recent theorists working within the context of Madrid itself ( Abalos & Herreros) and considers them in light of Rossi’s work. The article finally tests this theoretical approach (theory) before looking at the (project) most recent development in the northern periphery of Madrid (2008-2017). The article concludes with some insights into the application of Rossi’s work today and highlights the current relevance of his work in relation to the continuing peripheral developments across Europe. Critically, the article is structured around the importance of the relationship between theory and project, as this tension was critical to the group La Tendenza, to which Rossi himself belonged.Este artículo examina la importancia del trabajo de Aldo Rossi y su libro clásico “La arquitectura de la ciudad”, con el fin de explorar el contexto de la periferia desde un punto de vista teórico. El artículo se enfoca aludiendo a la importancia del mismo en el contexto actual, entendiéndolo como una herramienta que sirve para analizar la periferia europea. De la misma manera, se busca indagar en su pensamiento y trabajo a través del estudio de la ciudad actual, y el análisis crítico que se ha desarrollado desde que se escribió su obra, insistiendo en el seguimiento teórico más reciente llevado a cabo por Ábalos y Herreros en Madrid y que conecta su trabajo con la obra Rossiana. Finalmente, el artículo analiza sus propuestas teóricas a través de un caso de estudio (proyecto) como el de la reciente periferia Norte de Madrid (2008-2017), verificando la aplicación de estas teorías en dicho proyecto, y destacando la importancia que la obra teórica de Rossi sigue teniendo en la actualidad.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

Nuevos documentos sobre la familia de Ramón Llull

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Estimating adaptive setpoint temperatures using weather stations

Reducing both the energy consumption and CO 2 emissions of buildings is nowadays one of the main objectives of society. The use of heating and cooling equipment is among the main causes of energy consumption. Therefore, reducing their consumption guarantees such a goal. In this context, the use of adaptive setpoint temperatures allows such energy consumption to be significantly decreased. However, having reliable data from an external temperature probe is not always possible due to various factors. This research studies the estimation of such temperatures without using external temperature probes. For this purpose, a methodology which consists of collecting data from 10 weather stations of Galicia is carried out, and prediction models (multivariable linear regression (MLR) and multilayer perceptron (MLP)) are applied based on two approaches: (1) using both the setpoint temperature and the mean daily external temperature from the previous day; and (2) using the mean daily external temperature from the previous 7 days. Both prediction models provide adequate performances for approach 1, obtaining accurate results between 1 month (MLR) and 5 months (MLP). However, for approach 2, only the MLP obtained accurate results from the 6th month. This research ensures the continuity of using adaptive setpoint temperatures even in case of possible measurement errors or failures of the external temperature probes.Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities 00064742/ITC-20133094Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness BIA 2017-85657-

Serum, Saliva, and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Osteocalcin: Their Relation to Periodontal Status and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Background: Periodontitis and osteoporosis are characterized by the loss of bone mass. Osteocalcin levels have been postulated as a marker of inhibition of bone formation. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma, saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of osteocalcin and correlate them with periodontitis and osteoporosis. Methods: Seventy-three postmenopausal women, over 35 years old, were recruited for the study. Serum, saliva, and GCF osteocalcin were measured. Vertebral bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Differences between groups were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test, and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Thirty-four (46.6%) were classified in the normal healthy bone group, 11 women (15.1%) in the osteopenic group, and 28 women (38.4%) in the osteoporotic group. No statistically significant differences between these densitometric groups were observed in probing depth (P = 0.24); clinical attachment level (P = 0.11); or mean osteocalcin concentrations in serum, saliva, and GCF. Twenty-seven (37.0%) of the women were classified without periodontitis (NPG) and 63.0% (N = 46) with periodontal disease (PG). There were no statistical differences in serum and saliva osteocalcin concentrations between these two groups. GCF osteocalcin concentrations were significantly higher in the PG women than in the NPG group (P = 0.008). Mean probing depth correlated significantly with GCF osteocalcin concentrations (r = 0.35; P = 0.002). Conclusion: The results further support the concept that osteocalcin levels in GCF correlates with periodontal but not with osteoporosis status

Incentivos fiscales para la creación de empleo

El sistema tributario, los tributos que lo conforman y sus técnicas liquidatorias, además de ser medios para recaudar ingresos públicos, ha de servir como instrumento de política económica general, atender a las exigencias de estabilidad y progreso social y procurar una mayor distribución de la renta nacional. Estas funciones extrafiscales de las técnicas tributarias pueden configurarse como un instrumento de primer orden para que los poderes públicos cumplan con el mandato constitucional de realizar una política orientada al pleno empleo. En el presente trabajo se analizan dos medidas previstas en nuestro ordenamiento tributario que inciden en la dirección indicada: la libertad de amortización que fomenta las inversiones generadoras de empleo y los beneficios fiscales con los que cuentan los empresarios por creación de empleo de trabajadores minusválidos.____________________________The tax system, the taxes that it collects, and the means by which tax settlements are made as well as being ways of gathering public funds, have a role to play in economic policy in as much as they meet needs in terms of stability and social progress, and try to achieve a better distribution of gross national income. These extra fiscal functions attributed to the tax collecting system can be turned into one of the principal instruments in the hands of public authorities enabling them to fulfil their constitutional duty to carry out policies that will lead to full employment

Epistemic and Conceptual Orphanhood in the Sustainability of Agroecosystems

The main problem in the analysis of sustainability of agroecosystems is precisely the lack of definition of both concepts. Above all agroecology has used the concept of agroecosystem in a nominal, ahistorical and atheoretical way; when it is possible to observe it as a system and at the frontier of complex systems. Thus, agroecology does not use, for example, the Thermodynamics of non-equilibrium, Theory of Catastrophes, Complex Networks, Theory of Chaos, among others. It is time to prompt agroecology agroecosystems out of the darkness of closed systems and bring them to the frontier of science systems. The objective of this document is precisely to make the field of agroecological studies expand towards the use of the theory of autopoietic social systems